Optimization of SC ΣΔ modulators based on worst-case-aware Pareto-optimal fronts

This paper presents an optimization method for switched-capacitor σ-δ modulators. The SNR performance is maximized while considering the performance capability of the critical building block, i.e. the Op Amp. Performance space exploration is applied to find the feasible region of the building block´s performance, which is represented by a Pareto-optimal front. Through worst-case analysis on design points of the nominal Pareto front, a worst-case-aware Pareto-optimal front can be computed. The maximized SNR and the corresponding yield will be presented. The proposed optimization process is efficient and can be accomplished in some hours.